Adult Friendships: How To Find The Right Connection For You
Friendships as a kid felt easy—almost automatic. Maybe it was a parent nudging us to play with the child next to us or the built-in social circles of school and community activities. We never really thought about how friendships formed; they just did. But as we grow older, things change. Life doesn’t naturally throw people […]
Are You Afraid Of Change? How To Change Without Fear
Fear surrounding change has existed for a long time. For some, it’s a slight inconvenience on an otherwise simple path to creating the life you want. However, for others, it may feel like standing on a receding ledge crumbling under your weight with only a streaming river of molten lava to catch you should you fall. […]
Having Kids Ruined My Sex Life: How To Reignite Intimacy & Pleasure
You loved your sex life. It was a space to de-stress, connect, and feel like yourself again. And then—came the kids. Deep down, you’re afraid that having children ruined your sex life. Believe it or not, you’re not alone. And honestly? You’re not wrong. Having kids changes everything—including intimacy. But so do career stress, aging, […]
Should We Combine Finances? How To Talk About Money Together
To share the money or not to share…that is the question. Whether you’re dating, living together, or married, money has a sneaky way of showing up and stirring the pot. To share the money or not to share…that is the question. Whether you’re dating, living together, or married, money has a sneaky way of showing […]
How To Make Your Life Better: Real Talk for When You’re Stuck, Tired, & Ready for Change
There’s nothing more frustrating than putting in the work and seeing no results—especially when it comes to improving your quality of life. For many of us, it goes something like this: Grow up. Make friends. Get a job. Settle down. Have kids. The end. No one tells you to question the path—or how to create […]
Consent Is More Than Yes or No: How To Talk Sex
Believe it or not, consent is more than just ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ And if we want healthier, safer, and more empowering sexual experiences, we need to stop treating it like a checkbox. Let’s Start With the Basics Consent is defined as permission for something to happen or an agreement to do something. In sexual and […]
How To Talk About Sex Without Feeling Dirty
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “sex talk”? Maybe you picture sultry voices over the phone, a string of dirty expletives, or kinky pet names whispered in the dark. Sure, that’s one version of it. But sex talk is much bigger, deeper, and more essential than just dirty talk. Sex talk […]
Is Wanting A Relationship Your Dirty Little Secret?
It often starts with a hushed voice and a deep breath. Then, barely audible: “I want to be in a relationship.” Whew. A mix of relief and embarrassment washes over them—like they’ve just admitted something scandalous. As a licensed psychologist and sex therapist, I’ve heard this confession more times than I can count. And I’ve […]
WHAT IS THRIVING FROM ASHES?
What is Thriving from Ashes? I am often asked what I mean when touting the phrase “thriving from ashes.” While it’s a catchy one-liner, the meaning is not the most obvious. Allow me to clarify here. Let’s start with ashes. Ashes derive from fire. Fire’s duality to both create and destroy has always been intriguing and […]
Welcome To My Blog
Welcome to my blog Thriving From Ashes. This first post will orient you to the intent and purpose behind writing this blog. In the therapy room, my job is to follow my clients’ lead and guide them toward their stated goals. It is not my job to share every epiphany or piece of advice I think will […]
